1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
Dorothy's anxiety about her brother's operation kept her awake all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fearfulness
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the newly discovered virus is creating considerable anxiety in the public at large
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxiety
Two wildly divergent events carry the extra possibility of counterprotests or disruption, adding a layer of anxiety to the usual logistical hassles.
—
Ashraf Khalil, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Using imaginative and colorful visual metaphors, the film touches on childhood anxiety and resilience in a manner with which audiences of all ages can empathize.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 6 June 2025
With all due respect to your husband, his anxiety doesn’t supersede your research.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Millennials courageously started talking openly about therapy, anxiety, and depression, breaking decades of stigma.
—Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Ashraf Khalil, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Using imaginative and colorful visual metaphors, the film touches on childhood anxiety and resilience in a manner with which audiences of all ages can empathize.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 6 June 2025
With all due respect to your husband, his anxiety doesn’t supersede your research.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Millennials courageously started talking openly about therapy, anxiety, and depression, breaking decades of stigma.
—Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety
Noun
-
Staffers were losing access to the agency’s internal payment system, and officials in the Congo were reluctant to authorize an expenditure, for fear that they would be accused of circumventing the executive order.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
-
As the threat of more strikes continues to fuel fears in Israel, the residents of Tamra are left feeling anxious.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Those worries vanished when she was accepted to Yale University.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
-
Fear of falling behind That worry of falling behind is something many men are wrestling with, according to a recent report by the Speaking with American Men (SAM) project, a new effort aimed at helping Democrats better reach and connect with young men.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
He’s been with the UK dating show ever since the beginning, and when word spread that Iain Stirling was leaving Love Island UK, many fans went into panic.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
9 June 2025
-
Not knowing the new rules, there always is definitely a total panic and paranoia all the time.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
While the full dataset has not been published, the leak already raises concerns over regulatory compliance and consumer protection, especially given the sensitive nature of the firm’s work.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
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While the conflict is concerning, radioactivity as a result of the military strikes is not a top concern, nuclear experts say.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
21 June 2025
Noun
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Kids might be excited about the end of the school year and for summer to begin, but many working parents who don’t know how to fill their kids’ long summer days may be feeling some dread right about now.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
-
Looming over his studies and extracurriculars is a singular dread.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, European defense and infrastructure spending is expected to support growth amid growing unease over the U.S. commitment to Ukraine.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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The series draws its fear and unease from a chilling idea: the sense that dangerous people often hide in plain sight.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxiety. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
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